PMcClure

I bought my F at 100 hours and it was the best aviation decision I ever made. Insurance was too bad, but it is something to check. Nothing like having your own airplane!

I owned his plane - N3794N 1968 M20F

I read that 80% of accidents happen within 5-10 miles of home. So I am moving!

Doesn't the Ovation have 2 batteries? I consider that my back up....

One of the funniest things I ever heard on the radio was on the DC center frequency. An airline captain came on and started talking about how he was going to retire this year, had been flying for over 30 years, starting with Vietnam era fighters, etc... told everyone to sit back and enjoy their flight, who the flight attendants were and everything else you can imagine. It seemed like it was over 10 minutes. This was on frequency.... after he was done, total silence for a few seconds then he caught rapid fire abuse from just about every pilot on frequency. Pilots can be relentless!

I have had a few instances of rude controllers at Orlando Executive. Nothing else serious but not a warm welcome.

Once, taking off from Orlando executive on an IFR flight plan in visual conditions, a controller told me to maintain @ or above 2000' on runway heading. If you know the area, you know that Orlando (MCO) arrivals are right over departures and arrivals from Orlando Executive. And I could clearly see the airliners descending overhead. I asked twice for him to clarify and the second time he flew off the handle. I responded with "unable". A few seconds later a 2nd controller came on and told me to remain at or below 2,000. I am sure the guy made a mistake and was probably having a bad day. But not much room or error in this area, especially had it been in IMC.

A little update and info for everyone. We just finally completed the installation of new engine and upgrade to 310HP. The process took nearly 12 months from decision to 1st flight with about 2.5 months downtime. We took the opportunity to replace everything including prop overhaul, new hoses, new exhaust, new clamps, etc.... Total cost was just shy of 6 figures ( I already had the prop) including an annual. All work was done at Gilmer Aviation in Pell City. Results were exciting - take off roll and initial climb out are excellent and top speed was 187 True (max power). A few things if anyone else is considering this: 1. Shop around for the STC. Prices range +/- $1000. We bought ours from JD @ Southwest Texas Aviation. He was excellent to work with. 2. We had a terrible time working with TCM and Air Power through the initial order process. It took months of calls and follow-ups to get the right quote. The people at Air Power were very knowledgeable and I feel the real issues were with TCM. However, 10 calls and no return is a problem. Once we wired the money to Airpower, we didn't hear from them again for 6 months until the engine shipped. After it shipped, they were very responsive and the core return was handled well. We replaced our G series engine with a IO550-N39. It was made new, but the factory would only sell it as reman. Part of the issue was that our aircraft has air conditioning and no one could figure out what exact engine would work as the G series we needed was discontinued. I believe for non air conditioning engines, the N8 is the best option. The N series has a tapered fin design so we had to modify the baffle plates (which is in the STC). 3. Steve Leary @stevenl757 and Bob Minnis were great help. Also had a couple conversations with Don Maxwell who was very knowledgeable about this process. Thank you to everyone that helped. 4. Acorn Welding for new exhaust was a disaster. They don't return emails, phone calls go unanswered and the parts they shipped didn't fit (not even close). We have sent everything back and it seems they will make it right. We had to install the old exhaust while we wait for them to get it right. Disappointing.... 5. I highly recommend Ricky Gilmer Aviation at KPLR. His new team member (Hugh) did all of the install work and it was outstanding! Hugh went above and beyond. I really can't say enough about how good their work is. Both Ricky and Hugh came from Epps and I feel fortunate to have them on our home field. 6. Was it worth it? As we plan on keeping this plane for a while, I obviously thought it was worth it. With upgraded avionics (G3x, GTN750, GFC500, etc.,, recent paint correction and ceramic coating, new 310 engine, I think 1051K is better than new and at less than 1/3 the cost. Comparing to anything else we could buy its the best value and performance available for our mission. Not sure I would go through the expense of just doing the STC to gain the extra 30hp. But if I was rebuilding or replacing the engine and prop, then sure I think it is worth it as an add on to that process. Pictures to follow - if anyone has any questions or is considering making this change, feel free to ask me any questions.

I am hopefully nearing the end of my IO-550 engine replacement. Air Power and TCM weren't much better. Took nearly 4 months just to get the quote for the engine I needed, then 6 months for the engine, then they shipped an engine that still required some minor changes to work. And they were phasing out several specs of engines. They couldn't sell me a new engine, only reman; even though they said they were building it new. Dozens of calls, emails and texts went unanswered and I was totally in the dark after making the downpayment until the day it shipped.

I don't think you get any core value on cylinders. But I am not sure for all engines. When I did my top overhaul I did get mine back. But I also notice that there are a lot of old cylinders laying around the shop!

For cruise, it is almost always full throttle and RPM 2500 and LOP 20 degrees. This usually gives me 175-180 knots depending on weight and the day and usually 14-15 gph. I can run it hotter/richer and get 182knots and 15-16gph. The Ovations really like LOP. I can give up a few knots at 50 degrees LOP and get down to around 12 gph. This may give me 168-172knots. Have fun getting to know your plane!

PM sent....

I am in Hoover but keep my O at Pell City. I know of at least 4-5 Mooney owners in the area. But, no Mooneys available for training/lease. Owners love them to much to share! Really suggest you contact JP Dice - CFI out of BHM with a Mooney. Might also try Ed Murray out of KEKY. He knows a lot of people around the area. And Johnny Barns was based at Shelby with a nice F that he did some instructing in, but he may have retired. I did a lot of training with him as well. I did my IFR training in a M20F. Bought it, flew it 400 hours and sold it for more than I bought it for. A lot cheaper and more fun than renting a Sky Hawk. Just a thought.....

I wanted a Saratoga until I flew one. It felt like flying an old S-10 pick up truck. Ended up getting a B36 but realized I was the only one flying in those 6 seats. So I sold it and got an ovation! Congrats!

Part of the STC includes a "N" engine plate to attached to your G engine after making the required changes.

I am replacing my G with a N. After working with TCM for months we found it was the only viable option as TCM is phasing out several G series engines. I took off the G series cylinders that only had about 400 hours and replaced them with the original ones to send back with the core. Only later realizing that I could not use them on the new G. So now I have a set of G cylinders with 400 hours on them.

Hi Steve - we are in the process of replacing our G with a new N with the STC. Is there a drawing for the metal wedges? The STC mentions drawings but we could not find them.

Welcome! Moonies make a great IFR platform. There are several Mooneys in AL but I am not aware of any for lease or partnerships. There used to be one in Bessemer but that was dissolved. Where are you located? JP Dice is a CFI with a Mooney based in BHM. But I am not sure he does any training in his Mooney.

There I was.... between a Boeing and an Airbus doing 90 knots......

Pirep flying into Midway - I had an unexpected business opportunity come up this week that needed quick action and a trip to Chicago. After reviewing commercial flights and weather, I decided to fly the Mooney in and out in one day rather than overnight with commercial. Departing Alabama yesterday morning for the 2:45 flight everything was uneventful until reaching Chicago. Weather was not much of a concern inbound, so I was flying VFR. All runways at Midway were closed except 1, putting an enormous amount of mixed traffic onto one runway. Chicago handed me off to MDW tower who handled everything efficiently and professionally. They put me on a 7 mile final behind an Airbus and ahead of a Boeing. I only had a few seconds to take in the beautiful skyline as I turned base for 31C. On final, the controller informed the following Boeing that I was flying 90 knots. He said 90 soooooo slowly, calling out the disparity in speeds. On short final, he had me go around and put me on a 10 mile final following in a Boeing. Taking the hint, I turned behind the airliner so close I could smell the jet fumes (kidding), I kept the throttle near full forward on glidelsope before slowing to 140 knots, dropped the gear then added more throttle and kept my speed up as long as possible before deploying speed brakes and then full flaps, landing right on the touch down markers. Tower had me roll to the end and as I was turning off, called for a landing jet to go around. Whew... Parking at Altantic was easy and the service was exemplary. They had free tacos and excellent facilities. Fuel was expensive - but fees waved with my 30 gallons. Mostly NetJets, Citations and Gulfstreams with a couple Challengers on the busy ramp. There were only 4 pistons and 2 looked like they haven't flown in years. My business meeting was only 2 miles from MDW. Made a lucky break on weather and departed VFR 30 minutes before MDW was shut down for strong storms. 3 hours to dinner at home with the wife. I am always amazed at what you can do with the Mooney. I would do Midway again, but maybe take more consideration if the general aviation runway is closed. Stay safe!

Where can I buy these placards?

I am still in the process of getting all the pieces together to upgrade our ovation with the 310hp. I checked with 2 different well known service centers and have been quoted more for the STC. For you guys mentioning $5,000, can you list the best source? Hate to pay more for "paperwork". Thanks. @William Munney @LANCECASPER @StevenL757 @ilovecornfields

Happened to me - used to carry paper charts as back up. Door popped open in cruise and everything was sucked out the door.

Part of a local family that does all sorts of aviation work. There was a king air on the ramp and a citation was after me. $2350 for the work not including the paint or wing tip repair which was covered by the vendor. Paint was color matched with a local paint shop then adjusted by the hand and is perfect match. They also cleaned the interior, windows and spinners. The seats look like new. The white color touch up spots could have been better, but from my own experience, less can be more. I got priority service because the the vendor that damaged the plane has a connection with them. Took about a week for the fiber glass repair and 3 days for the rest. Based at talladega airport. Pm me if you want contact.

I fly a lot and am top tier on two airlines and have 2 cards that give points. I use the points for tickets for family. Based on actual use, I value the points at about $.015 per mile. They sure have made it more difficult to get perks but I still think the miles are worth it and better than cash back. The main reason is you can stack miles buy using bonus miles. I probably earn 2-3x the miles I spend or fly each year. So that makes the points worth $.03-$.045/mile.